Cannabis and CBD for acne: evidence, treatments and safety (Updated)

It’s not just the physical impact we need to address. The mental toll that acne causes can lead to anxiety issues. In various studies' people with acne say it makes them feel unattractive, self-conscious and embarrassed. This low self-esteem can lead to so many side issues. 

And while acne passes for most people during their teenage years, chronic acne can be an issue well into adulthood, often leaving behind lasting scarring or pigmentation that continues to affect confidence and emotional well-being.

What are the current conventional treatment options for acne?

Current conventional therapies include antibacterials, topical retinoids, and oral antibiotics. And while these treatments do offer acne sufferers relief, they come with a range of unwanted (and sometimes significant) side effects, and the ever-dreaded antibiotic resistance. These less-than-desirable outcomes play a major role in the push for natural acne treatment alternatives.

Leading this charge currently is medical cannabis and CBD for acne. There are more than a handful of promising studies which show medical cannabis could offer hope to acne sufferers due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

How do medical cannabis and CBD interact with the skin?

The skin is our largest organ, and acts as a neuroendocrine system in its own right, supported by none other than the endocannabinoid system (ECS). We won’t go into huge detail on the ECS right now, but let’s quickly go over the basics for skin health. 

The endocannabinoid system and our skin

The ECS is made up of cannabinoid receptors (called CB1 and CB2), endocannabinoids produced naturally by the body to interact with these receptors, and the enzymes that build them and break them down once they have done their job. 

Both receptors types are found in the skin, but in very different quantities. 

CB1 receptors are mainly present in nerve endings, keratinocytes, and some hair follicle cells, where they help regulate sensation and local stress responses. CB2 receptors, on the other hand, are far more active in sebaceous glands (and, in turn, sebocyte regulation) and immune cells in our skin. 

While the older thinking that CBD does not interact with either receptor type is slowly being stripped away, it does so in a way that is very different to THC, the intoxicating (but also therapeutic) cannabinoid. CBD has a higher affinity to CB2 than CB1 receptors, and also helps the body’s own endocannabinoids work more effectively, calming overactive sebaceous glands, reducing redness, and supporting the skin’s natural repair processes.

What does the research say about CBD for acne and scarring?

Unlike many areas of medical cannabis science, the research into CBD’s potential for dermatological issues is quite deep already. In the past 11 years, it has moved from lab studies into actual clinical trials and even formulation research. 

The findings so far are very encouraging, and suggest that CBD may help reduce acne symptoms, support skin healing, and improve the appearance of acne scarring. 

Evidence of CBD’s role in skin healing and scar reduction

A groundbreaking study from 2014 was the first peer-reviewed paper to delve deep into the world of CBD and its effect on acne. 

It showed that CBD may potentially help reduce the amount of skin oil (sebum) produced by suppressing the growth and output of sebocytes. The findings also suggest that CBD has the potential to be a promising acne treatment, thanks to the reported anti-inflammatory effects of the cannabinoid. 

A 2016 study by Zurier and Bernstein for the FASEB Journal showed that cannabinoids like CBD had anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties. The study found that chronic inflammation could be resolved more quickly while the production of collagen was reduced, which led to reduced fibrosis (otherwise referred to as scarring).

A 2019 study published in Molecules also suggested cannabinoids could control fibroblasts, which are the collagen-producing cells in the skin. The authors concluded that they could potentially aid skin healing and scar formation. They also theorised that, by modulating the ECS with cannabinoids, they may even be able to achieve scarless healing.

Clinical findings: topical CBD in real-world settings

This 2023 clinical study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary Alternative Medicine concluded participants experienced a significant reduction in inflammation and the elimination of acne when using a CBD-based topical formulation for acne patients.

In the results section, the authors state “The formula (1% CBD, 1% CAT, and 1% silymarin),  showed a statistically significant reduction in acne lesions, mainly inflammatory. A reduction of 31.8% in total inflammatory lesions was shown following 28 days, 38.2% following 42 days, and 70.9% following 56 days, suggesting that the formula's potent anti-inflammatory activity has significant therapeutic potential in inflammatory acne.”

However, the authors also noted that the trial was not a double-blind experiment, and further placebo included trials would need to be undertaken. They also added that the addition of salicylic acid could have enhanced the effect of CBD, and further tests were required.

Emerging evidence: combined mechanisms and next-generation formulations

Some of the more recent studies have moved past uncovering the mechanisms, and have started to really consider how cannabinoid formulations actually interact with the skin’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Nano-formulations are the new big thing, and the research clearly shows why. 

A 2025 systematic review in the European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics analysed 16 studies and 18 patents, finding that nanotechnology-based CBD delivery systems (including lipid nanoparticles, micelles, nanoemulsions, and cyrogels) massively improve the rates of skin penetration, absorption, and overall stability of CBD based topical creams. 

Two other research pieces worth noting are “The Potential of Cannabidiol as Acne and Scar Treatment” and Cannabidiol in Dermatology: Progress and Pitfalls”, both published in 2024. The results of these two fascinating papers show that CBD is far more than a ‘single-purpose’ molecule. It works in a multifaceted way, and offers up a range of potential dermatology benefits, including:

• Sebum regulation through CB2 and TRPV4 signalling
• Anti-inflammatory effects that temper cytokine and NF-κB activity
• Antioxidant protection that shields keratinocytes from oxidative and UV-induced stress

As research progresses, so do we. This blog is updated every 6 months to make sure the most up-to-date information is always available to UK medical cannabis patients.

What are the different forms of CBD and cannabis treatment for acne?

There are almost endless cannabis-based treatment options for acne in the UK, from topical creams and ointments to even oral preparations. Before you decide which one is right for you, it’s worth considering a few things:

• Third-party testing: Are there any independent test results which corroborate the claims made by the manufacturer?

• Concentration: CBD products come in different concentrations. Generally, 5-10% is considered low, 10-15% is considered medium, and above 20% is high. Begin with a low concentration at first and monitor the effects before increasing.

Are CBD and medical cannabis well-tolerated for acne treatment?

Yes. 

Research has found that both medical cannabis and CBD options have a favourable safety profile. That said, as with using any new treatment, a cautious approach is always best. It’s essential to speak to a doctor before adding any new treatment option to your current skincare routine, as it may interact with other medications.

• When used topically, both are mostly well-tolerated, but may lead to localised skin irritation in some patients. 
• Oral CBD can lead to some drowsiness and digestive upset, but these issues are quite rare. 
• THC comes with the chance of a few extra side effects, not all negative. Some patients report mild euphoria, increased relaxation, or enhanced sensory perception, while others may experience short-term dizziness, dry mouth, or heightened anxiety if the dose is too high. 

All of the above, from research to potential side effects, points to just how important ongoing clinical oversight is. And that is exactly what Releaf patients get. 

FAQs on medical cannabis and CBD for acne

Can CBD really help reduce acne?

Research into CBD acne treatment shows that cannabidiol can help calm inflammation and regulate the skin’s oil production. By easing the overactivity of sebaceous glands and reducing redness, CBD oil may help people with breakouts achieve clearer, more balanced skin.

How long does it take to see results with CBD for acne?

Most people begin noticing changes in their CBD acne timeline after six to eight weeks of steady use. Improvements in acne scarring take a little longer, often twelve to sixteen weeks, as the skin gradually rebuilds and restores its natural texture.

Is CBD cream safe for sensitive skin?

Yes. Most CBD cream for sensitive skin products are well tolerated, especially those that are fragrance free and third party tested. It is always best to perform a small CBD patch test before full use, and to avoid creams containing alcohol or other irritants.

Can I use CBD with other acne treatments?

It can be done, but care is key. CBD often fits well into a CBD skincare routine, though it should not be layered directly with retinoids or strong acids without guidance from a clinician. A tailored plan ensures CBD complements rather than competes with other acne medications.

How can patients access medical cannabis and CBD for acne in the UK?

In the UK, medical cannabis can only be prescribed privately by a GMC-registered specialist doctor. For acne and other chronic skin conditions, that prescription must come through a private medical cannabis clinic (NHS will not prescribe medical cannabis for dermatological issues), and eligibility depends on how long symptoms have persisted and how well standard treatments have worked.

At Releaf, this process is simple and secure through our bespoke, built-from-the-ground-up Patient Dashboard, which allows patients to manage prescriptions, track deliveries, and access ongoing support from our world-class clinical team. Releaf patients can choose between a flexible pay-as-you-go plan or continuous care through Releaf+ membership, which includes unlimited follow-ups, free repeat prescriptions, and free delivery. All patients get a free medical cannabis card when they order their first prescription. 

Releaf is the most trusted medical cannabis clinic in the UK, with more than 3000 verified Trustpilot reviews and one of the highest patient satisfaction ratings in the sector.

To see if treatment could be suitable for you, try Releaf’s medical cannabis eligibility checker. It’s free, takes less than 20 seconds, and could be the first step towards clearer skin.

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